2009 · 15 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2009 Audi A8 MOT pass rate and common faults

371 MOT tests in 2024. 81.4% passed first time, compared with 58.4% for all cars the same age.

139Well above average
Passed first time81.4%
Failed or needed repairs18.6%
Typical mileage at test137,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 371 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
    13 marked dangerous
  2. Position lamp: not working1.6%
  3. Linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.3%
    8 marked dangerous
  5. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.3%
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.8%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.8%
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.8%
  9. Headlamp aim: too high0.8%
  10. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam0.8%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics10.0%
  2. Brakes5.1%
  3. Tyres4.9%
  4. Suspension3.5%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.5%
  6. Emissions & leaks2.2%
  7. Body & chassis1.3%
  8. Number plates & VIN1.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.7%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.9%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn10.8%
  4. Linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.7%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine5.4%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2009 Audi A8?

In 2024, 81.4% of 2009 Audi A8 cars passed their MOT first time, across 371 tests. The average for all 15-year-old cars was 58.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2009 Audi A8?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; position lamp: not working; linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2009 Audi A8 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 139, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).